Tuesday, October 29, 2013

So I'm a little late in getting a new recording out there.... but better late than never! I just posted a recording that I actually made many months ago, but struggled to find the time and energy to publish. The recording is of Clementi's 5th Sonatina from Op. 36. I wasn't pleased with my performance of this piece, particularly the left-hand of the first movement, but imperfection is a part of life :-)

Monday, May 27, 2013

I've been updating the names on my piano's plaque regularly - but cannot say the same for posting photos! I've finally posted new photos of my plaque that includes all of the most recent donor names through March.
Visit this page to view the plaque!

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Saturday, November 3, 2012

A visitor to my website recently contacted me and asked my opinion on owning an upright vs. a grand piano. They asked my opinion because my older recordings were all made on my upright while my newer recordings were made on my grand. I thought that this was an intriguing question, worthy of sharing on my blog. Below is the answer that I provided:
......
You asked about my thoughts on having an upright vs. a grand piano. In
general, I believe that beautiful art can be created regardless of the
medium. However, the instrument does have a profound affect on the
music. I was finally able to purchase a Steinway grand piano a few
years ago. This was after many years of saving and working towards that
goal. The difference in both sound and touch are extraordinary. I
still own my original upright piano as well. I now produce all of my
recordings on my Steinway grand; but my older recordings were all
recorded on my upright.

So to answer your question, yes, I believe that the instrument makes a
tremendous difference. However, the instrument should never be a reason
for an artist to stop producing art. A true artist will work with
whatever instrument they have to produce beautiful music. Pianists
especially know this, as we cannot take our own instrument with us when
we travel to perform and are subject to whatever instrument is
available. I have even been asked to perform on pianos that were
missing keys!

So make the best music that you can with whatever instrument you have
available to you; but the quality of the instrument certainly does make a
difference. If you can afford the space and money to purchase a good
quality grand piano, then it will definitely provide a better sound.
The touch will largely depend on the manufacturer - so you will want to
spend a good amount of time playing each piano before you consider
purchasing one to make sure that it "feels" right for you.

Steinway, in my opinion, is still the best piano manufacturer. However,
they are quite costly. I purchased mine second-hand (used) but only
after more than a year of looking at used pianos to find the right one
for me. It was a long journey to save the money and then to find the
right piano!

I wish you the very best in your personal journey towards finding the
right musical instrument for you. When you find the right one, you will
"know it" both in your hands and in your heart; and it will bring you a
lifetime of joy!
......

Friday, October 14, 2011

The Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation received a beautiful Baldwin Model L piano as a donation. They are now selling that piano to raise funds to use towards their admirable mission to "promote and perpetuate the pianistic art!"

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

THANK YOU to the many people who have contributed to my music in so many different ways. I especially thank those who have shown support through generous financial contributions. Each recording session costs me approximately $180 (USD), not counting the many hours both before and after each recording. As a result, the kind and thoughtful donations from my listeners are a welcomed and sincerely appreciated gift.

Each individual who donates has the opportunity to include a "signature" that is permanently printed on a plaque mounted to my piano's music stand. I try to update the names on the plaque every few months and just got it back from "the shop" with the latest round of signatures. You can view all of the signatures and donations by clicking here. To go striaght to the pictures, click here.

My heart is always so touched by the thoughtfulness of my listeners. I've received so many words of encouragement and am constantly uplifted by the sincere expressions you give. THANK YOU!

If you would like to have your signature included on the piano, you are always welcome to make a donation of any amount by visiting the donation page on my website. Additionally, there are many other ways you can contribute to spreading a love for classical music! For more information on ways to contribute, click here.